Locking wrench

ABSTRACT

An open ended wrench having a hexagonal-headed threaded memberengaging cavity formed in the wrench head configured such that when torque is applied through the wrench to a hexagonal-headed member engaged in the cavity the wrench is effectively locked onto the member and is prevented from slipping from engagement therewith. In one form the novel aspects of this invention are applied to an otherwise conventional open ended wrench; and in another form the novel aspects of this invention are applied to a ratchet-type open ended wrench.

United States Patent 1 [1 3,785,226

Ward Jan. 15, 1974 LOCKING WRENCH Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr.

[76] Inventor: Jerry E. Ward, Star Rt. Box 222, Assistant Examiner-James Smlth Vian, Ok1a 74962 Attorney-Jerry J. Dunlap et a1.

[22] Filed: May 18,1972 BS C [2]] Appl. No.: 254,433 An open ended wrench having a hexagonal-headed threaded member-engaging cavity formed in the [52] US. Cl. "81/119 wrench head configured such that when torque is ap- [51] Int. Cl B25b 13/46 plied through the wrench to a hexagonal-headed mem- [58] Field of Search 81/119 r ng ge n the vity he wrench is effectively locked onto the member and is prevented from slip- [56] References Cited ping from engagement therewith. In one form the UNITED STATES PATENTS novel aspects of this invention are applied to an other- 3 242 775 3/1966 Hinklc 8m 19 wise conventional open ended wrench; and in another form the novel aspects of this invention are applied to a ratchet-type open ended wrench.

13 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures LOCKING WRENCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to open ended wrenches, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an open ended wrench which is effectively locked onto a hexagonal-headed threaded member engaged thereby when torque is applied therethrough.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art discloses many teachings of open ended wrench designs having special wrench head configurations to provide ratchet-type movement of the wrench on the hexagonal member or nut without removing the wrench from engagement therewith. Other wrench designs have been disclosed for inhibiting the marring of the hexagonal member or nut when torque is applied through the wrench thereto. Representative examples of such art are the U.S. Pat to Wilder, No. 2,652,735, the U.S. Pat. to Hinkle, No. 3,243,775, and the U.S. Pat. to Evans, No. 3,620,107. Such wrench designs, however, have not effectively coped with the problem of slippage of an open ended wrench from the nut engaged thereby when a great deal of torque is applied through the wrench to the nut. Such slippage is often occasioned by deformation of the surface of the nut being engaged through improper application of wrenches or the like over an extended period. Slippage between wrenches and hexagonal members are also frequent and extremely dangerous in oil field work, especially on the floor of working drilling rigs where drilling mud, oil, and other liquids are often interposed between the hexagonal member and the wrench head thereby reducing the grip of the wrench on the member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an open ended wrench for use with a hexagonal-headed threaded member having a width between parallel sides designated by the symbol w, and having the length of each of the six sides designated by the symbol s. The wrench further includes a wrench head having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and an interconnecting jaw portion therebetween defining a cavity for engaging the hexagonal head of the threaded member. The second jaw portion is sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the hexagonal head of the threaded member engaged thereby. The improvement comprises: a first head-engaging surface formed on the first jaw' portion proximate to the interconnecting portion and extending a distance into the cavity with the first head-engaging surface engaging the adjacent side of the hexagonal head proximate to the end thereof ad jacent to the interconnecting portion. A second headengaging surface is formed on the second jaw portion a distance from the interconnecting portion such that the second head-engaging surface engages the adjacent side of the hexagonal head adjacent to the end of the side remote from the interconnecting portion. An inclined surface is formed on the second jaw portion and extends inwardly into the cavity from a line of intersection with the second head-engaging surface adjacent to the end of the side of the hexagonal head remote from the interconnecting portion. The inclined surface extends into the cavity at an angle with the side of the hexagonal head adjacent thereto within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an open ended wrench for engagement of hexagonal headed threaded members which will not slip from engagement therewith when torque is applied therethrough to the threaded member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an open ended wrench which provides ratchet-type action when applied to hexagonal headed threaded member without removal therefrom which will not slip from engagement with the member when torque is applied therethrough to the threaded member.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an open ended wrench which will not slip when applied to a hexagonal headed threaded member and is economical to fabricate, structually sound and simple to operate.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a ratchet-type wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation view of a slightly modified lower jaw portion of the ratchet-type wrench illustrated in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing, and to FIG. 1 in particular, the reference character 10 generally designates an open ended locking wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention. The Wrench 10 includes a wrench head 12 and a wrench handle or shaft 14 fixedly secured to the wrench head 12. The handle 14 may be of any suitable size and shape and, therefore, is not shown in detail.

The wrench head 12 includes a first or upper jaw portion 16, a second or lower jaw portion 18 and an interconnecting portion 20 extending between the upper and lower jaw portions 16 and 18.

The jaw portions 16 and 18 and "the interconnecting portion 20 define a hexagonal-headed threaded membenengaging cavity 22. An interconnecting surface 24 is formed on the interconnecting portion 20 adjacent to the cavity 22. The surface 24 includes a first straight portion 26 and a second straight portion 28. The first and second straight portions 26 and 28 intersect at an angle 29 approximately equal to The upper jaw portion 16 includes a first concave surface 30 formed thereon adjacent to the cavity 22 and intersecting at one end thereof the first straight portion 26. A first head-engaging surface 32 is formed on the upper jaw portion 16 adjacent to the cavity 22 with one end portion thereof intersecting the opposite end portion of the first concave surface 30. The opposite end portion of the first head-engaging surface 32 intersects one end portion of a first inclined surface 34 formed on the upper jaw portion 16 adjacent to the cavity 22. The first inclined surface 34 is inclined outwardly from the first head engaging surface 32 to engage one end portion of the first straight jaw surface 36. The opposite end portion of the first straight jaw surface 36 intersects the outer end 38 of the upper jaw portion 16 thereby defining the outer extremity of the upper jaw portion 16.

A second concave surface 40 is formed on the lower jaw portion 18 with one end portion thereof intersecting the second straight portion 28 of the interconnecting surface 24. The opposite end portion of the second concave surface intersects one end portion of a second head-engaging surface 42 formed on the lower jaw portion 18 adjacent to the cavity 22. The opposite end portion of the second head-engaging surface 42 intersects one end portion of a second inclined surface 44 which extends inwardly therefrom. The opposite end portion of the second inclined surface 44 intersects one end portion of a second straight jaw surface 46 formed on the lower jaw portion 18 adjacent to the cavity 22. The opposite end portion of the second straight jaw surface 46 intersects the outer end portion 48 of the lower jaw portion 18 thereby defining the outer extremity of the lower jaw portion 18.

The reference character 50 designates a hexagonalheaded threaded member or nut having a width between opposite parallel sides designated by the symbol w. The length of each of the six sides of the nut 50 is designated by the symbol s. The nut 50 is shown in FIG. 1 properly engaged in the cavity 22 with the wrench 10 in position to impart counterclockwise torque thereto.

The first and second straight jaw surfaces 36 and 46 lie in parallel planes which are perpendicularly spaced apart a distance within a range equal to 1.0 to 1.25 times the dimension w, and preferably approximately 1.02 times the dimension w. The first inclined surface 34 intersects the first straight jaw surface 36 at an angle 52 within the range of 1 to 90, inclusive, and preferably approximately 7. The first head-engaging surface 32 lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first straight jaw surface 36 and is spaced inwardly therefrom a perpendicular distance approximately equal to 0.04 times the dimension w. The line of intersection between the first head-engaging surface 32 and the first inclined surface 4 is spaced at distance approximately equal to 0.25 times the dimension s from the line of intersection of the first straight portion 26 of the interconnecting surface 24 and the first concave surface 30. The length of the first head-engaging surface 32 is within a range equal to 0.05 to 0.08 times the dimension w, and is preferably approximately 0.08 times the dimension w. The radius of the arcuately shaped first concave surface 30 is approximately equal to 0.04 times the dimension w.

The second inclined surface 44 intersects the second straight jaw surface 46 at an angle 54 within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive, and is preferably approximately 7. The second head-engaging surface 42 intersects the second inclined surface 44 along a line spaced a linear distance approximately equal to the dimension s from the line of intersection between the second concave surface 40 and the second straight portion 28 of the interconnecting surface 24. The second head-engaging surface 42 forms an angle 56 between the adjacent side 58 of the nut 50. The angle 56 lies within a range of from to 60, inclusive, and is preferably 0.

The second concave surface 40 is arcuately shaped and is defined by a radius of curvature swung from the line of intersection between the first head-engaging surface 32 and the first inclined surface 4. The radius of curvature of the second concave surface 40 lies within a range of 1.0 to 1.06 times the dimension w, inclusive, and is preferably approximately 1.06 times the dimension w.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT To operate the wrench 10, the wrench is placed on a nut 50 by the operator by sliding the upper and lower jaw portions 16 and 18 onto a pair of opposite parallel sides of the nut 50. The nut 50 is fully seated in the cavity 22 when the first and second straight portions 26 and 28 of the interconnecting surface 24 engage the adjacent sides of the nut 50. The operator then applies force to the handle 14 of the wrench 10 in a downward direction as viewed in FIG. 1 thereby imparting counterclockwise torque to the nut 50.

It should be noted that when the wrench is fully engaged on the nut 50, and counterclockwise torque is applied thereto, the first head-engaging surface 32 engages the adjacent side of the nut 50 at a point approximately 0.18 to 0.20 times the dimension s from the corner of the nut 50 adjacent to the first straight portion 26. This spacing prevents the wrench 10 from deforming the corner of the nut 50.

It should also be noted that as counterclockwise torque is applied to the nut 50, the second inclined surface 44 extends inwardly into the cavity 22 just beyond the corner of the nut 50 adjacent thereto. This chracteristic of the second inclined surface 44 prevents the nut 50 from slipping from the grasp of the wrench 10 as long as counterclockwise torque is being applied. This configuration provides effective locking of the wrench 10 on the nut 50 throughout the full range of torque application which can be applied to the nut 50 by the wrench 10.

When the operator desires to remove the wrench 10 from the nut 50, he need only terminate the application of counterclockwise torque to the nut 50 and the wrench 10 may then be freely removed from the nut 50.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 2

FIG. 2 illustrates a slightly modified wrench 10a wherein the angle 52 is shown to be approximately 7. The angle 54 between the second inclined surface 44 and the second straight jaw surface 46 is shown to be approximately 25.

The slightly modified second head-engaging surface 42a lies in a plane parallel to the plane of the second straight jaw surface 46 with the planes being spaced apart a distance approximately equal to 0.04 times the dimension w. The radius of the second concave surface 40 is approximately equal to 1.0 times the dimension w and is swung from the line of intersection between the first head-engaging surface 32 and the fist inclined surface 34.

It should be noted that elements shown in FIG. 2 which are identical to those previously described for the embodiment of FIG. 1 are designated by identical reference characters. Operation of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is substantially identical to that described for the embodiment of FIG. 1 and therefore, will not be described in detail again.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 3

In FIG. 3 the reference character 60 generally designates a ratchet-type open ended locking wrench having a wrench head 62 and a wrench handle or shaft 64 fixedly secured to the wrench head 62. The wrench head 62 comprises a first or upper jaw portion 66 and a second or lower jaw portion 68 with an interconnecting portion 70 disposed therebetween. The upper and lower jaw portions 66 and 68 and the interconnecting portion 70 define a hexgonal-headed threaded member-engaging cavity 72.

An interconnecting surface 74 is formed on the interconnecting portion 70 adjacent to the cavity 72. The

interconnecting surface 74 includes a first straight portion 76 and a second straight portion 78 with a concave portion 80 disposed therebetween and interconnecting the first and second straight portions 76 and 78.

A first concave surface 82 is formed on the upper jaw portion 66 and intersects at one end thereof the first straight portion 76. A first head-engaging surface 84 is formed on the upper jaw portion 66 adjacent to the cavity 72 and communiates with the opposite end of the first concave surface 82. A first ratchet relief concave surface 86 is formed in the upper jaw portion 66 and communicates at one end thereof with the firsg head-engaging surface 84. A first outer jaw portion 88 communicates between the first ratchet relief concave portion 86 and the outer end portion 90 of the upper jaw portion 66 thereby defining the outer extremity of the upper jawportion 66.

A straight jaw surface 92 is formed on the lower jaw portion 68 with one end thereof intersecting the outer end portion 94 of the lower jaw portion 68 thereby defining the outer extremity of the lower jaw portion 68. The straight jaw surface 92 is adjacent to the cavity 72. An inclined surface 96 intersects the straight jaw surface 92 at an angle 98 within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive, and preferably approximately 7. A second head-engaging surface 100 is formed on the lower jaw portion 68 adjacent to the cavity 72 and intersects at one end thereof the second straight portion 78 of the interconnecting surface 74. The second head-engaging surface 100 and the straight jaw surface 102 are interconnected by a second ratchet relief concave surface 104.

A hexagonal-headed threaded member or nut 50 is shown in FIG. 3 in engagement with the wrench 60. The distance between opposite parallel sides of the nut 50 is designated by the dimension w. The length of each of the six sides of the nut 50 is designated by the symbol The line of intersection between the inclined surface 96 and the second head-engaging surface 100 is adjacent to one corner of the nut 50 and is linearly spaced from the line of intersection between the second straight portion 78 of the interconnecting surface 74 and the straight jaw surface 102 a distance approximately equal to s. It should be noted that the plane of the side 58 of the nut 50 adjacent to the lower jaw portion 68 is substantially parallel to the plane of the straight jaw surface 92 formed on the lower jaw portion 68. The perpendicular spacing between the plane of the side 58 of the nut 50 and the straight jaw surface 92 is approximately equal to 0.04 times the dimension w.

The angle 106 between the second head-engaging surface and the plane of the side 58 of the nut 50 is 6 within the range of 0 to 60, inclusive, and is preferably 0.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 3

To operate the wrench 60, the operator slides the upper and lower jaw portions 66 and 68 along a pair of parallel sides of the nut 50 until the nut 50 engages the interconnecting surface 74. By turning the wrench 60 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, the operator can impart counterclockwise torque to the nut 50 through the first and second head-engaging surface 84 and 100. While counterclockwise torque is being applied, as described, to the: nut 50 the wrench 60 is effectively locked thereon through the action of the inclined surface 96 which extends inwardly into the cavity 72 beyond the corner of the nut 50 adjacent thereto.

The operator can ratchet the wrench 60 freely about the nut 50 by revolving the wrench 60 in a clockwise direction about the nut 50 thereby unlocking the wrench 60 from the nut 50. The operator may then obtain another grip on the nut 50 with the wrench 60 by again revolving the wrench 60 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the nut 50 thereby imparting a counterclockwise torque to the nut 50 again through the first and second head-engaging surfaces 84 and 100.

The operator may relase and remove the wrench 60 from the nut 50 by revolving the wrench 60 a small amount in a clockwise direction thereby releasing the grip of the wrench 60 on the nut 50 and eliminating the locking action of the inclined surface 96, and remove the wrench 60 from the nut 50 by sliding it therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 4

FIG. 4 illustrates a slightly modified wrench 60a in which the lower jaw portion 68a is configured slightly differently from the lower jaw portion 68 of the wrench 60 as illustraed in FIG. 3. Elements identical to those shown in FIG. 3 will utilize identical refernce characters.

The angle 98 between the inclined surface 96 and the straight jaw surface 92 is shown to be approximately 25. The angle 106 between the second-head engaging surface 100 and the adjacent side 58 of the nut 50 is shown to be approximately 0". An arcuately shaped concave surface 108 intersects at one end thereof the second straight portion 78 of the interconnecting surface 74, and intersects at the opposite end thereof the second head-engaging surface 100. The radius of curvature of the arcuately shaped concave surface 108 is approximately 1.0 times the dimension w and is swung from the point of contact between the first headengaging surface 84 and the adjacent side of the nut 50.

Operation of the wrench 60a is identical to the operation previously described for the wrench 60 and will, therefore, not be described in detail again.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that the present invention provides an improved open ended wrench for engagement of hexagonal headed threaded members which will not slip from engagement therewith when torque is applied therethrough to the gagement with the member when torque is applied therethrough to the threaded member.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, while the wrenches described in detail herein are specifically configured for use with hexagonal-headed members, the novel aspects of the jaw faces are equally applicable to wrenches for engaging the heads of threaded members having more or less than six sides. Such threaded members may have four, eight, 10, or 12 sides, for instance. It is fully intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited to use with hexagonal-headed members only.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts or elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an open ended wrench for engaging the head of a threaded member or the like, said head having a width between parallel sides designated by the symbol w, and having a length of each of the sides designated by the symbol s, said wrench including: a wrench head having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and an interconnecting portion therebetween defining a cavity for engaging the head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the head of said threaded member engaged thereby, the improvement comprising:

a first head-engaging surface formed on said first jaw portion proximate to said interconnecting portion and extending a distance into said cavity, said first head-engaging surface engaging the adjacent side of the head proximate to the end thereof adjacent to said interconnecting portion;

a second head-engaging surface formed on said second jaw portion a distance from said interconnecting portion such that said second head-engaging surface engages the adjacent side of said head adjacent to the end of said side remote from said interconnecting portion;

an inclined surface formed on said second jaw portion and extending inwardly into said cavity from a line of intersection with said second headengaging surface adjacent to the end of the side of said head remote from said interconnecting portion, said inclined surface extending into said cavity at an angle with the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive; and

wherein the line of intersection between said inclined surface and said second head-engaging surface is spaced a distance approximately equal to the dimen-sion s from the line of intersection in said cavity between said second jaw portion and said interconnecting portion.

2. An open ended wrench for use with a hexagonalheaded threaded member or the like wherein the width of the hexagonal head of said member between parallel sides is designated by the symbol w, and the length of each of the six sides of the hexagonal head is designated by the symbol s, comprising:

a wrench head including a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion and an interconnecting portion extending therebetween, said first and second jaw portions and said interconnecting portion defining a cavity for engaging the hexagonal head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the hexagonal head of said threaded member engaged thereby;

an interconnecting surface having opposite end portions formed on said interconnecting portion adjacent to said cavity and having the first end portion thereof intersecting said first jaw portion and having the second end portion thereof intersecting said second jaw portion;

a first concave surface having opposite end portions a second concave surface having opposite end portions formed in said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said second concave surface intersecting the second end portion of said interconnecting surface, said second concave surface being shaped such that it will not contact the hexagonal head of said threaded member when operatively engaged by said wrench;

a first head-engaging surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said first headengaging surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said first concave surface with said first head-engaging surface extending from the line of intersection with said first concave surface a distance within the range of 0.04 to O l0 times the dimension w, inclusive, and providing a substantially flat surface for operatively engaging one of the six sides of the hexagonal head of said threaded member;

first inclined surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said first inclined surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface with said first inclined surface being inclined outwardly from said first head engaging surface at an angle within the range of 1 to inclusive;

first straight jaw surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion thereof intersecting the opposite end portion of said first inclined surface with said first straight jaw surface extending from said first inclined surface in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said first headengaging surface and with the opposite end of said first straight jaw surface defining the outer extremity of said first jaw portion and the cavity adjacent thereto;

a second head-engaging surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said second head-engaging surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said second concave surface, said second head-engaging surface being substantially parallel to said first head engaging surface;

second inclined surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent vto said cavity, one end portion of said second in clined surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said second head-engaging surface with said second inclined surface being inclined inwardly from said second head-engaging surface;

second straight jaw surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity of said second straight jaw surface intersecting the opposite end of said second inclined surface with said second straight jaw surface exending from said second inclined surface in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said first straight jaw surface and spaced therefrom a distance within a range equal to 1.0 to 1.25 times the dimension w and with the opposite end of said second straight jaw surface defining the outer extremity of said second jaw portion and the cavity adjacent thereto;

wherein the linear distance from the line of intersection between said second concave surface and the second end portion of said interconnecting surface, and the line of intersection between said second head-engaging surface and said second inclined surface is substantially equal to the dimension s; and

wherein said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw section within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive.

3. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature within the range of 1.0 to 1.06 times the dimension w, inclusive, said radius being swung from the intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface.

4; A wrench as defined in claim 3 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w.

5. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w;

said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 1.06 times the dimension w, said radius being swung from the line of intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface;

said first head-engaging surface extends from the line of intersection with said first concave surface a distance approximately equal to 0.05 times the dimension w;

said first inclined surface is inclined outwardly from said first head engaging surface at an angle of approximately 7;

said second straight jaw surface is spaced from said first straight jaw surface a distance approximately equal to 102 times the dimension w; and 7 said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw surface of approximately 7.

6. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w;

said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 1.00 times the dimension w, said radius being swung from the line of intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface; said first head-engaging surface extends from the line of intersection with said first c onave surface a distance approximately equal to 008 times the dimension w;

said first inclined surface is inclined outwardly from said first head-engaging surface at an angle of approximately 7;

said second straight jaw surface is spaced from said first straight jaw surface a distance approximately equal to 1.02 times the dimension w; and

said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw surface of approximately 35.

7. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 1 wherein the angle between said inclined surface and the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion is approximately 7.

8. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 1 wherein said second head-engaging surface is substantially planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the adjacent side of said head engaged thereby.

9. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 8 wherein said first head-engaging surface is planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said second head-engaging surface with the perpendicular distance between the respective planes of said first and second head-engaging surfaces being approximately equal to the dimension w.

10. In an open ended wrench for engaging the head of a threaded member or the like, said head having a width between parallel sides designated by the symbol w, and having the length of each of the sides designated by the symbol s, said wrench including: a wrench head having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and an interconnecting portion therebetween defining a cavity for engaging the head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the head of said threaded member engaged thereby, the improvement comprising:

first head-engaging surface means formed on said first jaw portion proximate to said interconnecting portion for engaging the adjacent side of the head proximate to the end thereof adjacent to said interconnecting portion;

second head-engaging surface means formed on said second jaw portion a distance from said interconnecting portion for engaging the adjacent side of said head adjacent to the end of said side remote from said interconnecting portion;

an inclined surface formed on said second jaw portion and extending inwardly into said cavity from a line of intersection with said second headengaging surface means adjacent to the end of the side of said head remote from said interconnecting portion, said inclined surface extending into said cavity at an angle with the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion within the range of 1 to 60, inclusive; and

wherein the line of intersection between said inclined surface and said second head-engaging surface substantially planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the adjacent side of said head engaged thereby.

13. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 12 wherein said first head-engaging surface means is planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said second head-engaging surface means with the perpendicular distance between the respective planes of said first and second head-engaging surface means being approximately equal to the dimension w.

pd-wso 7 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 785 226 Dated .Tanuarv 15 1 174 Inventor( Jer -1 E. Ward It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In Column In Column In Column In Column In Column In Column teristic--.

In Column V "1 line 20, "3,243,775" should be 3,242,775--.

line 10, after the word "to" insert the word line 17, "structually" should be structurally. line 46; "4" should be -'-34--.. I

line 4, "4" should be --34--.

lines 32 and 33, "chracter istic" should be"--characline 39, "illustraed" should be illustrated--.

' line 40, r'efern'ce" should be --reference--.

line 9, "four, eight" should be 4, 8--. I

lines 54 and 55, "dimen-sion" should be -dimensionline 11, "exending" should be --extending-.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of April 197M.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETGHER,JR. G. Attesting Officer MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents 

1. In an open ended wrench for engaging the head of a threaded member or the like, said head having a width between parallel sides designated by the symbol w, and having a length of each of the sides designated by the symbol s, said wrench including: a wrench head having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and an interconnecting portion therebetween defining a cavity for engaging the head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the head of said threaded member engaged thereby, the improvement comprising: a first head-engaging surface formed on said first jaw portion proximate to said interconnecting portion and extending a distance into said cavity, said first head-engaging surface engaging the adjacent side of the head proximate to the end thereof adjacent to said interconnecting portion; a second head-engaging surface formed on said second jaw portion a distance from said interconnecting portion such that said second head-engaging surface engages the adjacent side of said head adjacent to the end of said side remote from said interconnecting portion; an inclined surface formed on said second jaw portion and extending inwardly into said cavity from a line of intersection with said second head-engaging surface adjacent to the end of the side of said head remote from said interconnecting portion, said inclined surface extending into said cavity at an angle with the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion within the range of 1* to 60*, inclusive; and wherein the line of intersection between said inclined surface and said second head-engaging surface is spaced a distance approximately equal to the dimension ''''s'''' from the line of intersection in said cavity between said second jaw portion and said interconnecting portion.
 2. An open ended wrench for use with a hexagonal-headed threaded member or the like wherein the width of the hexagonal head of said member between parallel sides is designated by the symbol w, and the length of eaCh of the six sides of the hexagonal head is designated by the symbol s, comprising: a wrench head including a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion and an interconnecting portion extending therebetween, said first and second jaw portions and said interconnecting portion defining a cavity for engaging the hexagonal head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the hexagonal head of said threaded member engaged thereby; an interconnecting surface having opposite end portions formed on said interconnecting portion adjacent to said cavity and having the first end portion thereof intersecting said first jaw portion and having the second end portion thereof intersecting said second jaw portion; a first concave surface having opposite end portions formed in said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said concave surface intersecting the first end portion of said interconnecting surface, said first concave surface being shaped such that it will not contact the hexagonal head of said threaded member when operatively engaged by said wrench; a second concave surface having opposite end portions formed in said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said second concave surface intersecting the second end portion of said interconnecting surface, said second concave surface being shaped such that it will not contact the hexagonal head of said threaded member when operatively engaged by said wrench; a first head-engaging surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said first head-engaging surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said first concave surface with said first head-engaging surface extending from the line of intersection with said first concave surface a distance within the range of 0.04 to 0.10 times the dimension w, inclusive, and providing a substantially flat surface for operatively engaging one of the six sides of the hexagonal head of said threaded member; a first inclined surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said first inclined surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface with said first inclined surface being inclined outwardly from said first head engaging surface at an angle within the range of 1* to 90*, inclusive; a first straight jaw surface having opposite end portions formed on said first jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion thereof intersecting the opposite end portion of said first inclined surface with said first straight jaw surface extending from said first inclined surface in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said first head-engaging surface and with the opposite end of said first straight jaw surface defining the outer extremity of said first jaw portion and the cavity adjacent thereto; a second head-engaging surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said second head-engaging surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said second concave surface, said second head-engaging surface being substantially parallel to said first head engaging surface; a second inclined surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity, one end portion of said second inclined surface intersecting the opposite end portion of said second head-engaging surface with said second inclined surface being inclined inwardly from said second head-engaging surface; a second straight jaw surface having opposite end portions formed on said second jaw portion adjacent to said cavity of said second straight jaw surface intersecting the opposite end of said second inclined surface with said second straight jaw surface extending from said seCond inclined surface in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said first straight jaw surface and spaced therefrom a distance within a range equal to 1.0 to 1.25 times the dimension w and with the opposite end of said second straight jaw surface defining the outer extremity of said second jaw portion and the cavity adjacent thereto; wherein the linear distance from the line of intersection between said second concave surface and the second end portion of said interconnecting surface, and the line of intersection between said second head-engaging surface and said second inclined surface is substantially equal to the dimension s; and wherein said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw section within the range of 1* to 60*, inclusive.
 3. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature within the range of 1.0 to 1.06 times the dimension w, inclusive, said radius being swung from the intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface.
 4. A wrench as defined in claim 3 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w.
 5. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w; said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 1.06 times the dimension w, said radius being swung from the line of intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface; said first head-engaging surface extends from the line of intersection with said first concave surface a distance approximately equal to 0.05 times the dimension w; said first inclined surface is inclined outwardly from said first head engaging surface at an angle of approximately 7*; said second straight jaw surface is spaced from said first straight jaw surface a distance approximately equal to 1.02 times the dimension w; and said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw surface of approximately 7*.
 6. A wrench as defined in claim 2 wherein: said first concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.04 times the dimension w; said second concave surface is arcuately shaped and has a radius of curvature of approximately 1.00 times the dimension w, said radius being swung from the line of intersection of one end portion of said first inclined surface with the opposite end portion of said first head-engaging surface; said first head-engaging surface extends from the line of intersection with said first concave surface a distance approximately equal to 0.08 times the dimension w; said first inclined surface is inclined outwardly from said first head-engaging surface at an angle of approximately 7*; said second straight jaw surface is spaced from said first straight jaw surface a distance approximately equal to 1.02 times the dimension w; and said second inclined surface defines an angle with said second straight jaw surface of approximately 35*.
 7. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 1 wherein the angle between said inclined surface and the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion is approximately 7*.
 8. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 1 wherein said second head-engaging surface is substantially planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the adjacent side of said head engaged thereby.
 9. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 8 wherein said first hEad-engaging surface is planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said second head-engaging surface with the perpendicular distance between the respective planes of said first and second head-engaging surfaces being approximately equal to the dimension w.
 10. In an open ended wrench for engaging the head of a threaded member or the like, said head having a width between parallel sides designated by the symbol w, and having the length of each of the sides designated by the symbol s, said wrench including: a wrench head having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and an interconnecting portion therebetween defining a cavity for engaging the head of said threaded member, said second jaw portion being sized such that it extends a distance beyond the adjacent side of the head of said threaded member engaged thereby, the improvement comprising: first head-engaging surface means formed on said first jaw portion proximate to said interconnecting portion for engaging the adjacent side of the head proximate to the end thereof adjacent to said interconnecting portion; second head-engaging surface means formed on said second jaw portion a distance from said interconnecting portion for engaging the adjacent side of said head adjacent to the end of said side remote from said interconnecting portion; an inclined surface formed on said second jaw portion and extending inwardly into said cavity from a line of intersection with said second head-engaging surface means adjacent to the end of the side of said head remote from said interconnecting portion, said inclined surface extending into said cavity at an angle with the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion within the range of 1* to 60*, inclusive; and wherein the line of intersection between said inclined surface and said second head-engaging surface means is spaced a distance approximately equal to the dimension s from the line of intersection in said cavity between said second jaw portion and said interconnecting portion.
 11. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 10 wherein the angle between said inclined surface and the side of said head adjacent to said second jaw portion is approximately 25*.
 12. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 10 wherein said second head-engaging surface means is substantially planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the adjacent side of said head engaged thereby.
 13. An open ended wrench as defined in claim 12 wherein said first head-engaging surface means is planar and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said second head-engaging surface means with the perpendicular distance between the respective planes of said first and second head-engaging surface means being approximately equal to the dimension w. 